The former Reading and Whitecaps star player is certain that the next expansion franchise will experience big numbers when they enter the league, surpassing recent success stories Seattle and Toronto.

Lenarduzzi, who has both represented and coached the Canadian national team, can see Vancouver getting more season ticket holders than Seattle (33,000) and Toronto (16,500 with 15,000 on a waiting list) because quite simply, the market is better.

"Vancouver is a better market," Lenarduzzi says.

The Whitecaps have the 17th MLS licence and will enter the fray in 2001, alongside Portland who are the 18th franchise.